Box filling and packing machine



Feb. 19, 1935. H. A. CAMPBELL BOX FILLING AND PACKING MACHINE FiledSept. 21, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 19, 1935. H. A. CAMPBELL BOXFILLING AND PACKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 21, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR.

ATTOR Y Feb. 19, 1935. H. A. CAMPBELL BOX FILLING AND PACKING MACHINEFiled Sept. 21, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. flan/y. I [Ml AM/ W ATTZ'EY.

Feb. 19, 1935. CAMPBELL BOX FILLING AND PACKING MACHINE Filed Sept. 21,1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. BY /%w/ I. (ample/K ATTOR EY PatentedFeb. 19, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BQX FILLING AND PACKINGMACHINE 41 Claims.

This invention relates to the art of filling and packing boxes or othercontainers with loose material such as dried fruit or the like, andprovides a mechanism adapted to perform the filling and packingoperations rapidly'and effectively without requiring themanual laborheretofore necessary for carrying out these steps.

It is thecustomary practice in packing dried fruit into boxes forshipment to temporarily provide each box, prior to filling, with acollar adapted to fit over the top of the box and project upwardlytherefrom, whereby the volumetric capacity-of the box is increasedaccording to the volume of the collar. By the application of such acollar to the box a larger amount of material can be deposited in thebox without overflowing than can be done withoutthe use of the collar,so that when the material is pressed or tamped into the box, a fullboxof tightly compressed material is assured.

According to one of the more common methods of packing dried fruit whichis used in the dried fruit industry, the empty boxes which are to befilled with fruit are passed in succession before an operator who isprovided with a supply of collars and whose duty it is to place a collarover each box as it passes before him. The box and its associated collaris then conveyed into registry beneath a filling mechanism, whichanother operator manipulates to deposit a measured charge of fruit intothe box. In order that a full box may be assured after the material istightly pressed therein, a larger charge of fruit is deposited in thebox than could be done without overflowing were it not for the collar.

After the material is deposited in the box and its associated collar, itis conveyed past another operator who places a wooden block or shoewithin the collar so as to rest upon the fruit, this shoe being of suchsize as to substantially fill the collar, and of a thickness so that itprojects several inches above the upper periphery of the collar. e

The loosely filled box carrying its associated collar with the shoetherein is thereafter placed on a conveyor which conveys it through apressing mechanism, which mechanism takes the form of a second conveyorarranged lengthwise above the box conveyor and inclined so as to beconvergent therewith. The box is conveyed beneath the higher end of theupper conveyor and as it continues to travel therebeneath the shoe whichprojects above the box collar is engaged by the upper conveyor, due toits inclination, and is depressed, whereby the fruit is compressed intothe box. The box of tightly packed fruit is then conveyed to anotheroperator who removes the shoe and collar from the box, whereupon the boxpasses on to the lidding machines and the shoe and collar are returnedto the operators who 5 initially placed them in position.

As might be expected, this method of packing fruit into boxes is not aparticularly rapid one and is comparatively expensive, due to the numberof operators required. Moreover, a consider- 10 able amount of space isrequired for the equipment. e p

Another weakness of this type of apparatus lies in the unsatisfactoryoperation of the aforementioned shoes. During their use they oftenbecome sticky from the fruit, so that when the operator removes themthey sometimes remove a part of the fruit from the box which is adheringto the shoe. This is a source of considerable annoyance and necessitatesthe frequent washing of the shoes. 1

The use of this type of shoe also has been found to result incontaminating the fruit with mold spores so as to cause spoilage of thefruit. For example, if one box of fruit happens to be infected, the shoewhich is used withthat box also becomes infected so that its continueduse spreads the infection to other fruit which may otherwise beuncontaminated. The accumulation of mold spores on the shoes is also aptto 30 occur during periods of idleness.

It is, therefore, the prime object of this invention to overcome thesedifficulties insofar as possible by providing a box packing apparatus inwhich the box collar is mechanically actuated, thus reducing the numberof operators heretofore required, so that the packing is accomplishedwith less labor and, consequently, less expense, and carried out morerapidly than here tofore. p i

It is also an object to provide abox packing machine with a reciprocablebox collar and operating means therefor which serves to place the collarin position over an empty box, removes it after the pressing operation,and repositions it over a succeeding empty box.

Another object is to provide a box packing apparatus in which thepressing mechanism is of such a character as to do away with the use ofthe wooden shoes heretofore referred to.

Another object is to construct a box packing apparatus in which isincorporated a fillingstation, a pressing station, a conveyor forconveying a file of boxes into successive registry with the stations,and a box collar reciprocable above the conveying means so that it mayregister with a box at the filling station and move in unison therewithinto registry with the pressing station.

Another object is to provide a box packing ap paratus having areciprocable box collar in which automatically operated means areprovided for removing the collar from a box at the pressing station andreturning it into operative relation with a succeeding box at thefilling station.

Another object is to provide a pressing mechanism and means to cause theoperation of such mechanism when a box collar registers therewith.

Another object is to provide a pressing mechanism and means to preventthe operation of such mechanism when no box collar is therebeneath.

Another object is to provide a box packing machine which, after beingset in operation, will automatically stop after completing one cycle ofoperations.

Another object is to provide an apparatus for the purpose describedhaving a box collar movable over a track between the filling mechanismand the pressing mechanism.

Another object is to provide a track for the box collar having means forraising and lowering the track in timed relation to the operation of thefilling and pressing mechanism.

Another object is to provide a box collar track with operating meanshaving a buffer associated therewith.

Another object is to provide a box packing machine having filling andpressing stations with a box collar reciprocating between the stations,and means for transferring the collar from the pressing station to thefilling station which exerts a gradually diminishing force on the collaras it approaches the filling station.

Another object is to provide a filling mechanism with a safety devicewhich prevents its operation when no box is in registry therewith.

Another object is to provide a filling mechanism with a safety devicewhich prevents its operation when the box collar is out of registrytherewith.

Another object is to provide a box packing machine having an operativemechanism arranged to perform a complete cycle of operations when thefilling mechanism is actuated.

Another object is to provide a pressing mechanism including a heatedpresser shoe, whereby the shoe is self-sterilizing.

Another object is to provide a pressing mechanism including a steamheated presser shoe having a perforated bottom for the partial escape ofsteam, whereby to moisten the bottom of the shoe and prevent theaccumulation thereon of sticky material.

Another object is to provide a box collar of suitable construction tofit boxes of various sizes and to enable it to be operated over atrackway.

That the invention has numerous objects and advantages other than thoseabove recited will become apparent as the description proceeds inconnection with the accompanying drawings, it being understood thatvarious changes and modifications may be resorted to without departingfrom the spirit of the invention, and I deem myself entitled to all suchchanges and modifications as fall within the scope of the claims heretoappended. Moreover, although the invention is described in connectionwith the filling and packing of boxes with dried fruit, it iscontemplated that the same may be used to fill other types of containersthan boxes with other materials than dried fruit, the invention notbeing limited to the particular use described, which is illustrativeonly.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a completely assembled filling andpacking apparatus embodying the features of the invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view, taken along the lines 22 of Figure 1,illustrating in plan view the conveyor and presser operating mechanism.

Figure 3 is a sectional view, taken along the line 3--3 of Figure 4,illustrating in plan view a portion of the actuating mechanism foroperating the track raising and lowering device, as well as a portion ofthe safety mechanism which prevents operation of the filling mechanismwhen no box is therebeneath.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a plan view of one of the single revolution clutchesprovided to drive the conveyor and the pressing mechanism, the clutchbeing shown in assembled form.

Figure 6 is a side elevation of the clutch shown in Figure 5,illustrating the position of the parts when the clutch is disengaged.

Figure 7 is also a side elevation of the clutch shown in Figure 5, butillustrating the positions of the parts when the clutch is engaged.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the clutch pin which serves to engageand disengage the clutch.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of Figure 10.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10--10 of Figure 5,and illustrates to better advantage the configuration of the innerperiphery of one of the clutch members.

Figure 11 is a detail of a portion of the filling mechanism and itsactuating members.

Figure 12 is an enlarged plan view of the box collar.

Figure 13 is a side view of the collar illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the plunger shoe taken alongthe line 14-14 of Figure 1, illustrating in detail the construction ofthe pressure shoe.

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the presser shoe with the perforated plateremoved.

Figure 16 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the presser shoe, betterillustrating certain details of construction.

Like reference characters denote like parts throughout the severalviews.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, it will be seen that theapparatus includes a table 1, supported by a suitable frame work 2having a plurality of supporting legs 3 and cross braces 4. The table 1is adapted to support a file of boxes 5 and is provided with a centrallongitudinal groove 6 in which operates an endless conveyor chain 7provided with a series of spaced flights 8 which engage the ends ofboxes resting on the table 1 and propel them therealong. The chain 7passes over sprockets 9 and 10 at opposite ends of the frame, whichsprockets are supported by transverse shafts 11 and 12, respectively.The conveyor chain is caused to travel in the direction indicate by thearrow in Figure l by mechanism presently to be described, and it will beseen that as the conveyor chain so moves the flights 8 will engage theends of the boxes 5 on the table 1 and propel them lengthwise of thetable in uniformly spaced relation.

As best seen in Figures 1 and 11, the filling mechanism is supportedupon an auxiliary frame work 13, supported by legs 14 and comprises ahopper having a bottom formed by the hinged gates 16 and 17, which areinterconnected bythe link 18, so that they move simultaneously. Thegates are normally held in closed position by means of the adjustableweight 19, slidably mounted on a rod 20 projecting from the gate 17 andare locked in closed position by a catch 21 which is held by a spring 22in engagement with the upper end of a projection 23 on the gate 16. Theweight 19 is so adjusted that a given weight of material placed in thehopper '15 will readily overcome its influence and cause the gates toopen and discharge the material whenever the catch 21 is lifted out ofengagement with the proection 23.

The filling mechanism is operated by means of a handle 24 securedintermediate its ends to the outer end of a shaft 25, journaled in theframe 13. The free end of the shaft 25 is provided with a finger 26adapted to cooperate with the catch 21 so as to lift the sameclear ofthe projection 23 when the finger is lifted. A weight 27 is hung on oneend of the handle 24 so as to hold it normally against the stop 28whereby the finger 26 is held away from the catch 21.

In order that measured charges of fruit may be deposited in the boxes,the filling hopper 15 is preferably mounted upon the platform of a scale29 so that the weight of fruit in the hopper is indicated at all timeson the dial 30. A feed mechanism for supplying fruit to the hopper isprovided and comprises an endless feed belt 31 passing over pulleys 32and running in a trough 33. The belt 31 may be operated in the directionindicated by the arrow by any suitable clutch mechanism (not shown) andcontrolled by an operating handle 34. Fruit is delivered onto the belt31 from a chute 35 and is delivered to the hopper through the spout 36.

The manner of operation of the filling mechanism is as follows: Theoperator. manipulates the handle 34 to drive the belt 31 so as todeliver fruit through the spout 36 into the hopper 15 until the dial 30shows the hopper to contain the desired quantity of fruit. The feed belt31 is then stopped and the operator depresses the handle 24, whereuponthe shaft 25 is rotated, causing the finger 26 to lift the catch 21 freeof the projection 23 on the gate 16. As soon as the projection 23 isfreed from the catch 21, the weight of fruit in the hop-- per opens thegates 16 and 17 against the action of the weight 19 and the fruit isdischarged from the hopper, whereupon the weight 19 closes the gates,which are again latched shut by the catch 21 until such time as thehandle 24 is again depressed.

After a box has received a charge of fruit from the hopper 15 it ismoved by the conveyor chain beneath the reciprocable plunger, indicatedgenerally at 37, which depresses the fruit into the box. The plunger ismounted upon the lower end of the column 38 and secured to a cross head39. The cross head 39 is provided with bearings 40, slidably carried bythe vertical shafts 41. Brace rods 42 hold the shafts 41, in place,andspacers 43 between the shafts also help hold them in position, andprovide guides for the column 38. The cross head 39 is reciprocated bythe connecting rods 44, which are actuated by cranks 45 and shaft 72.

a plurality of channels adapted to receive a series of perforated steampipes 51. The steam pipes are interconnected, as shown, and steam is fedthereto through the pipe 52, which may be connected to any suitablesource of steam supply.

The steam pipes 51 are provided with a series of perforations 53, all ofwhich are horizontally arranged, and a perforated plate 54 is secured byany suitable means to the bottom of the shoe.

The perforations in the steam pipes and the plate 54 are very small, sothat when steam is admitted to the pipes a small quantity continuouslyescapes, thereby moistening the underneath side of the plate 54. Thehorizontal arrangement of the perforations 53 serves to protect themfrom becoming plugged up with particles of fruit which may accidentallybe forced through the perforations in the plate 54 into the channels 56.The plate 54 is also preferably covered with some porous fabric, such asindicated at 55, in order to prevent the plate perforations frombecoming clogged. When the fabric becomes fouled it is a simple matterto remove it for cleansing, or to replace it with a new fabric.

In the use of a presser shoe of the above described construction, it hasbeen found that because of its continually moistened surface there islittle or no tendency-for pieces of fruit to adhere thereto, andthe'steamalso continually st'erilizes the shoe, so that there is nodanger o spreading contamination.

It is necessary that the hopper 15, plunger 37, and conveyor 7 beoperated in timed relation to each other, and the driving mechanism forthese'devices will now be described. Power is applied to the pulley 56,secured to the shaft 57, so that the shaft 57 rotates continuously inthe direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1. This shaft 57 drivesthe shaft 12 (which'drives the conveyor chain 7) through the medium ofthe chain 58. passing around sprockets 59 and 60. The sprocket 60 isintegral with the clutch member 61 which rotates freely on shaft 12. Thecooperating clutch member 62 is keyed to the shaft 12.

As best seen in Figures 5 to 10, inclusive, a clutch engaging pin 63projects inwardly through the side wall'of the clutch member'62 so as tocooperate with a series of semi-circular grooves 85 formed on the innerperiphery of the free clutch member 61. An arm 64 is carried on theouter end of the pin 63, and a wire spring 65 is secured thereto and toa portion of the hub of the clutch member 62, which tends to pull thearm downwardly against the stop 66, as shown in Figure .7. That portionof the pin 63 which projects into the clutch member 61 is flattened, asat 6'7, so as to be semi-cylindrical, and this flat surface is sodisposed that when the arm 64 is horizontal, as shown in Figure 6,theflat surface is vertical.

The operating means for the clutch includes a finger 68, slidablymounted in a sleeve 69 secured to a supporting leg adjacent the clutch,and controlled by a double rod 70 which is pivotally secured to theouter end of the finger 68 and to the lower end of a crank arm '71 keyedto a rock The shaft 72 is actuated by a crank 73 secured to the outer,end of the shaft and adapted to be actuatedby a vertical rod 74 whichpasses through a guide .75 secured to one of the legs 14 and has itsupper end pinned to an intermediate portion of a lever 76 pivoted to theleg 14 at'77. The crank 73 is provided with a bearing 78 in which thelower end of the rod 74 is slidably mounted. A collar '79 secured to therod '74, is adapted to engage the bearing '78 when the rod is depressed,whereby to actuate the crank '73. Coil springs surround the rod '74 oneither side of the guide '75 and are held in place by collars 81 keyedto the rod. These springs maintain the rod in neutral or middleposition, so that the crank '73 is not obliged to carry the weight ofthe rod.

The free end of the lever '76 is positioned directly beneath a lug 82 onthe handle 24, so that when the handle is depressed the lug 82 engagesthe lever 76 so as to depress it also, which causes the rod '74 to beshifted downwardly. The downward movement of the rod 74 is transmittedthrough the crank '73 and rod '70 to withdraw the finger 68 from beneaththe arm 64 of the clutch pin 63, whereupon the spring 65 pulls the armdownwardly against the stop 66 and rotates the clutch pin 63. Thisrotation of the pin 63 turns a portion of its periphery into engagementwith one of the grooves of the rotating clutch member 61, whereby theclutch members 61 and 62 are keyed together and the shaft 12 isthereupon rotated so as to cause the conveyor chain '7 to travel in thedirection of the arrow.

The diameter of the sprocket wheel 60 is such that a single revolutionthereof will cause the conveyor chain '7 to move a box exactly thedistance between the filling hopper 15 and the plunger 3'7, and means isprovided to disengage the clutch members 61 and 62 when they have made asingle revolution. This means takes the form of a pin 83 projecting fromthe outer side of the clutch member 62 and is adapted to cooperate with9. lug 84 projecting upwardly from the clutch actuating rod '70. Whenthe finger 68 is withdrawn, causing engagement of the clutch, the pin 83is carried around and strikes against the lug 84 and shifts the rod '70to the right, as viewed in Figure 1, so that the finger 68 is returnedinto the path of the arm 64 of the clutch pin 63. When the arm 64engages the finger 68 it is turned into a horizontal position, therebymoving the pin 63 out of engagement with the groove 85, and the clutchis thereupon disengaged. This construction insures that when the handle24 is depressed so as to withdraw the finger 68, the clutch will makeonly a single revolution and then stop.

The plunger 3'7 is also operated by means of a single revolution clutch,similar to that described above, and comprising the clutch members 86and 8'7, mounted on the shaft 4'7. The clutch member 8'7 rotates freelyon the shaft 4'7 and is continually driven from the drive shaft 5'7 bymeans of pinion 88 and gear 89. The clutch member 86 is keyed to theshaft 4'7. The construction 86 and 87 is the same as that of the clutchmembers 61 and 62, and they are engaged by a pin 90 identical with thepin 63.

The operating means for the clutch members 86 and 87 includes a finger91 slidably mounted in a sleeve 92 secured to a leg 3 adjacent theclutch, and adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with the arm93 of the pin 90 by means of a crank 94 keyed to the shaft '72. A collar95 is keyed to the shaft 47 adjacent the rod 70 and carries a pin 96adapted to cooperate with a lug 97 on the rod '70 so that when the shaft4'7 has made a single revolution, after clutch members 86 and 8'7 areengaged, the pin 96 engages the lug 9'7 and shifts the rod '70 to theleft, as viewed in Figure 1, whereby the crank '71 rotates the shaft 72,causing the crank 94 to thrust the finger 91 into the path of the arm 93of the pin 90 to cause disengagement of the clutch members 86 and 8'7.It will thus be seen that upon engagement of clutch members 86 and 8'7the shaft 4'7 makes only a single revolution. whereby the plunger 37 isdepressed and then withdrawn and stopped in its original position at theupper end of its stroke.

At this time it is to be noted that the relation of the fingers 68 and91 and their connecting parts is such that they may both be inengagement with their respective pin arms 64 and 93 at the same time,whereby both clutches are disengaged. When this situation obtains, boththe fingers 68 and 91 occupy positions relative to their respectiveclutch pin arms such as shown in Figure 6. If, therefore, the rod 70 isshifted so as to withdraw one of the fingers out of engagement with itsclutch pin arm, the other finger is simply moved further into engagementwith its clutch pin arm. It is, therefore, obvious that while bothclutches may be disengaged at the same time, it is impossible for themboth to be engaged at the same time.

In Figure 1 the parts are shown in normal or idle position. If theoperator now depresses the operating handle 24, the rod '70 will beshifted to the left, whereby the clutch pin arm 64 is freed from thefinger 66 and the clutch members 61 and 62 are engaged. Simultaneouslythe finger 91 is thrust further into engagement with the clutch pin arm93, so that the clutch members 86 and 8'7 remain disengaged. As the pin83 revolves into engagement with the lug 84, the rod '70 is shifted backto the right into its original position wherein the finger 68 engagesthe clutch pin arm 64 to disengage clutch members 61 and 62. The finger91 remains in engagement with clutch pin arm 93 so that clutch members86 and 8'7 are not affected. It may, therefore, be seen that theoperation of the handle 24 does not directly affect the plungeroperating clutch.

As has been heretofore explained, it is desirable to deposit a largeramount of fruit in the boxes than can be done without overflowing, inorder that when the fruit is pressed into the boxes it will be full inspite of the diminished volume of fruit. For accomplishing this purpose,a box collar 98 is provided, which is a rectangular box having an opentop and bottom. In the construction shown the bottom edges of the wallsof the collar are bent outwardly so as to form flanges 99 adapted torest on the rim of a box. A downwardly projecting lip 100 is formed onthe flange at one end of the collar, and the other end and the sides ofthe collar are provided with flat springs 101 which project downwardlybelow the flanges 99 to engage the sides of the box. This constructioninsures that the collar will fit over the tops of boxes regardless ofminor variations in size. A buffer 102 is secured to one end of the boxcollar and serves a purpose to be described later.

The collar 98 is provided on each side near its top with a pair ofrollers 103 which are pinned to the walls of the collar whereby the boxmay move over the track rails 104, extending above and longitudinally ofthe table 1. Mechanism is provided for lifting and lowering the rails104 so that the collar 98 may be lifted free of a box therebeneath, orlet down. into engagement therewith. To this end the rails 104 aresecured at their ends to cross members 105 which are supported by thevertical shafts 106 passing through bearings 107 secured to the frame 2.The lower ends of the shafts 106 are supported by the projecting ends ofthe bell cranks 108, whose free ends are interconnected by means of therods 109 and 110, and the double bell crank 111 is pivoted to a plate112 secured to a portion of the frame work. The arm 113 of the doublebell crank 111 is supported by a buffer rod 114 passing through bearings115 and having a collar 116 between which and the lower bearing, is acoil spring. 117 which tends to urge the rod 114 upwardly.

In the position of the parts illustrated in Figure 1, the rails 104 arein their lower position, whereby the box collar 98 engages with a boxresting on the table 1. The collar may be lifted clear of the box by aclockwise rotation of the double bell crank 111, in which case thecollar v15 by means of aweight 118 hung on the end of a rope 119 passingover sheaves 120 and secured to the box collar at 121. A pivoted lever122 disposed crosswise of the rails 104 abuts against a stop 123 so thatthe collar will not be pulled out from under the hopper.

When the collar 98 is in engagement with a box and the conveyor chain isoperated so as to move thebox beneath the plunger 37, the collar movesin unison with the box by reason of its engagement therewith. As thecollar reaches a.

position of registry beneath the plunger 37, the buffer 102 engages anarm 124 secured to a vertical shaft 125 so as to rotate the shaft.Another arm 126, secured to the lower end of shaft 125, cooperates. witha lug 127 on the rod 70 whereby movement of .the arm 124 by the boxcollar causes rod 70 to be shifted to the right to remove the finger91from the clutch operat ing pin 90, whereby the clutch members 86 and87 are engaged and the plunger is depressed into the collar and thenwithdrawn. Whereupon, the clutch, having made a single revolution, isdisengaged in the manner heretofore described and the plunger stops.

. As the plunger 37 is being withdrawn a pin 128, secured to the crank45, comes into engagement with a roller 129 carried on the end of thearm 113 of'the double bell crank 111 and hits it above the catch on thelatch lever 131. As the pin 128 rises it pulls away from the roller 129and releases it, whereupon it falls into engagement with the catch 130which is held therebeneath by a spring 132. When the arm 113 is liftedinto engagement with the catch 130, it will be noted that the box collaris lifted clear of the box, whereupon the weight 118 returns the collarover the rails 104 into registry with the hopper 15. As the collar comesinto registry beneath the hopper it engages lever 122 which is connectedwith the latch lever 131 by a link 133, and the catch 130 is withdrawnfrom beneath the roller 129, permitting the arm 113 ,to fall against thebuffer rod 114 and lower the track 104 so that the collar is let downinto engagement with another box on the table 1.

weight 118 preferably takes the form of a heavy chain so that as thecollar is pulled away from the plunger 37 toward the hopper 15 the chainpiles up on the floor and its effective weight decreases as it piles up.The force acting on the collar thus decreases as the collar approachesthe filling station,v so that the shockoccasioned by the collar strikingthe lever 122 and stop 123 is much diminished.

It sometimes happens that the operating handle 24 is accidentally movedwhen either the collar is not beneath the hopper or there is no box inposition toreceive the contents of the hopper, and to prevent such athing from occurring a double safety mechanism is provided. A verticalshaft 134, -journaled in bearings 135, carries at its lower end an arm136 which extends into the path of boxes moving over the table 1, and atits upper end a short plate 13'? adapted to pass beneath the end of theoperating handle 24. A spring 138 urges the arm 136 against a stop 139and into the box path, so that as no box engages therewith the plate 137is maintained beneath the operating handle 24 thus preventing itsoperation. When a box engages the arm 136 it is moved outwardly so as toremove the plate from beneath the operating handle into-anon-interfering position.

A lever 140, pivoted at its upper end to the frame 13, is urged towardsa vertical position by a spring 141. A rod 142, pivoted to a plate 143is secured to the lever 140 and is adapted to swing the plate 143beneath the lower end of the operating handle 24 when the lever is invertical position, so that the handle cannot be depressed. The plate 143is pivotally secured to a bearing 144 fastened to the frame 13. When thebox collar comes beneath the hopper it moves the lever 140 so as tocarry the plate 143 out'from beneath the operating handle 24 where it nolonger interferes with the operation of the handle.

It'will thus be seen that the double safety mechanism prevents theoperation of the handle 24 at all times unless both box and box collarare in proper position to receive the contents of the hopper.

As illustrative of the regular operation of the apparatus described, letit be assumed that the parts are in the'position shown in Figure 1,which is the normal idle position assumed after the completion of eachcycle of operations. The operator causes the delivery belt 31 to deliverfruit through the spout 36 until the dial 30 indicates thatthehopper 15contains the desired weight of fruit. Whereupon he manipulates thehandle 34 to stop the delivery belt. The operator then depresses theoperating handle 24 and releases it, whereby, through the action ofshaft 25 and finger 26, the latch 21 is lifted and the weight of thefruit in the hopper opens the gates 16 and 17 and the fruit isdischarged into the box and associated collar therebeneath. After thefruit is so discharged the weight 19 closes the hopper gates, which areagain latched shut, and the hopper is ready to receive another charge offruit.

The depression of the handle 24 also shifts the rod 74 downwardly sothatthe crank 73 is turned clockwise, whereby the shaft 72 is rotated andthe rod 70 is shifted from neutral position to its extreme left handposition. The rotation of the shaft '72 causes the crank ,94to thrustthe finger 91 a little farther into engagement with the clutch pin arm93, but this does not change the position of clutch pin 90, so that theclutch members 86 and 87 are notaffected. The movement. of the rod 70 toits extreme left hand position, however, withdraws the finger 68 out ofengagement with the clutch pin arm 64, so that the spring 65 turns pin63 and clutch members 61 and 62 are engaged. This causes the shaft 12 torotate and the conveyor chain 7 moves the box 5 away from the fillingstation and into registry beneath the plunger 37, carrying the boxcollar with it by reason of its engagement with the box. Simultaneously,an-

other box is moved into registry beneath the hopper 15.

When the box and collar are moved out from under the hopper, the springs138 and 141 cause the safety plates 13'] and 143 to be carried beneaththe end of the operating handle 24 so that the handle cannot bedepressed. The movement of the conveyor brings another box into registrywith the hopper as the box ahead is moved into registry beneath theplunger, and the succeeding box displaces the lever 136 so as to removethe plate 13'? from beneath the operating handle. Since the collar isnot yet in position, however, beneath the hopper, the plate 143 remainsin position so that it is still impossible to move the operating handleuntil the collar is returned.

As the box and its associated collar are brought into registry beneaththe plunger 37, they are brought to rest by reason of the pin 83 cominginto engagement with the lug 84 on the rod '70, whereby the rod 70 isreturned to neutral position and the finger 68 is carried into the pathof the clutch pin arm 64, causing the pin to be turned, thus disengagingthe clutch members 61 and 62 and stopping the chain 7.

As the collar 98 is brought into registry with the plunger 37, thebufier 102 engages the arm 124 which rotates the vertical shaft 125 sothat the arm 126 engages the lug 127 on rod '70 and shifts the rod toits extreme right hand position, which does not affect the clutchmembers 61 and 62 but does withdraw the finger 91 away from clutch pinarm 93, so that the clutch pin 90 is turned and the clutch members 86and 8'7 are thereby engaged. The shaft 4'7 is thereupon rotated and thecranks 45 and 46 cause the plunger 37 to be depressed so as to compressthe material into the box, and the plunger is then withdrawn. During therevolution of the cranks, and as they are withdrawing the plunger 3'7,the pin 128 on the crank 45 engages with the roller on the end of thearm 113 of the double bell crank 111 and lifts the roller so as to turnthe bell crank 111 clockwise and lift the rails 104. As the pin 128continues upwardly it releases the roller 129 which falls intoengagement with the catch 130 on the latch lever 131 and holds the trackin raised position. At about this time the plunger is nearing the end ofits withdrawal stroke and the pin 96 on the collar engages the lug 97 onthe rod 70 and moves it to the right into neutral position, whereby thefinger 91 again engages with the clutch pin arm 93 and the clutch pin 90is turned so as to disengage the clutch members 86 and 87, whereby theplunger comes to rest. Since the rod 70 is only shifted into neutralposition, the clutch members 61 and 62 are unaffected.

The lifting of the track 104 frees the collar 98 from the box with whichit has been associated, whereupon the weight 118 returns the collar overthe rails 104 into registry beneath the, hopper 15 and over the nextbox, which was brought under the hopper when the previous box was movedto the plunger. As the collar reaches the end of its path it strikesagainst the lever 122 which causes the latch 130 to release the roller129, whereupon the arm 113 falls back upon the buffer 114 and the rails104 are lowered, thus lowering the collar into engagement with the boxtherebeneath.

When the collar comes into registry beneath the hopper it also engagesthe lever 140, which withdraws the safety plate 143 out from under theend of the operating handle 24 so that the handle may now again beoperated, whereupon the mechanism will pass through another cycle ofoperations such as just described.

Having now described my invention and in what manner the same may beused, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent isz" 1. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, a pressingmechanism, intermittently actuated means for conveying boxes intosuccessive registry with said filling and pressing mechanisms andmomentarily stopping them in such positions, a box collar operable abovethe conveying means and movable into and out of registry with saidfilling and pressing mechanisms, means for lowering the collar intoengagement with a box at the filling mechanism whensaid collar is inregistry with said filling mechanism, means for actuating the pressingmechanism during stationary periods of said conveying mechanism when thecollar registers therewith, and means for lifting said collar free ofthe box after actuation of the pressing mechanism when said collar is inregistry with the pressing station.

2. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,intermittently actuated means for conveying boxes into successiveregistry with said stations and momentarily stopping them in suchpositions, a box collar movable between said stations in unison withboxes on the conveying means, and means for transferring said collarfrom the pressing station to operative position at the filling stationwhile said conveying means remain stationary.

3. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station, afreely movable box collar adapted to fit over a box and to be carried byengagement therewith from the filling station to the pressing station,means for lifting the collar from said box at the pressing station,means for returning the collar to the filling station, and means forlowering said collar into engagement with a box at said filling station.

4. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,intermittently operated means for conveying a file of boxes intosuccessive registry with said stations and momentarily holding them insuch position, a box collar adapted to register with a box on saidconveyor and movable in unison therewith from the filling station to thepressing station, and means for transferring the collar from said boxafter it reaches the pressing station to a position in registry with asucceeding box having registration with the filling station.

5. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station, abox collar movable between said stations, and means for transferring thecollar from the pressing station to the filling station, and exerting agradually diminishing force on said collar as it approaches the fillingstation.

6. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,means for conveying boxes from the filling station to the pressingstation, a track disposed above said conveying means, a box collarmovable along said track between said stations, means for lifting andlowering said track, and a buffer associated with said lifting andlowering means.

7. In a box packing machine, a reciprocable plunger for pressingmaterial into boxes, a box collar movable into and out of registrybeneath the plunger, means for depressing and withdrawing the plungerwhen the collar registers therewith, and means for preventing theoperation of the plunger depressing and withdrawing means when thecollar is out of registry with the plunger.

' 8. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material, areciprocable plunger disposed at a fixed location for pressing thematerial into said boxes, intermittently actuated means for conveyingboxes into successive registry beneath the filling means and the plungerand momentarily stopping them in such positions, a box collar disposedabove the conveying means for registration with a box thereon andmovable in unison therewith from beneath said filling means intoregistry beneath said plunger, means for depressing and withdrawing theplunger when the box and associated collar register therewith, and meansfor transferring the collar into registry with the filling means afterthe plunger is withdrawn.

9. In a box packing machine, a reciprocable plunger for pressingmaterial into boxes, driving means therefor including a singlerevolution clutch, a box collar movable into and out of registry beneaththe plunger, and means operable when said collar is in registration withthe plunger to cause engagement of the clutch whereby said clutch makesa single revolution and causes the plunger to be depressed andwithdrawn.

10. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material, aplunger for pressing material into said boxes, driving means for theplunger including a single revolution clutch, an intermittently operatedconveyor for conveying a file of boxes into successive registrationbeneath said filling means and plunger, driving means for saidconveyorincluding a single revolution clutch, a box collar adapted toregister with a box on said conveyor and movable in unison therewithfrom beneaththe filling means into registration beneath the plunger,means for engaging the conveyor operating clutch whereby said clutchmakes a single revolution and a box and the collar are moved frombeneath the filling means into registration beneath. the plunger, meansoperable when said collar comes into registration with the plunger tocause engagement of the plunger operating clutch whereby said clutchmakes a single revolution and causes the plunger to be depressed andwithdrawn, and means for moving the collar out of registration with theplunger during withdrawal thereof and returning said collar intoregistration with a succeeding box having registration with the fillingmeans.

11. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, actuating meanstherefor, a box collar movable into registry beneath the fillingmechanism, and safety means for preventing the operation of saidactuating means when the collar is not beneath said filling means.

12. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material,actuating means therefor, a plunger for pressing material into saidboxes, driving means for the plunger, a conveyor for conveying a file ofboxes into successive registration beneath said filling means and saidplunger, operating means for said conveyor associated with the actuatingmeans for the filling mechanism whereby when the filling mechanism isactuated the conveyor is likewise operated, a box collar adapted toregister with a box on said conveyor and movable in unison therewithfrom beneath the filling means into registration beneath the plunger,means operable when said collar comes into registration with the plungerto disengage the conveyor operating means and engage the plunger drivingmeans whereby the conveyor stops and the plur'iger'is depressed andwithdrawn, means for moving the collar out of registration with theplunger after withdrawal thereof and returning said collar intoregistration with' a succeeding box having registration with the fillingmeans, and means for disengaging the plunger driving means when thecollar moves out of registry with the plunger, whereby said plunger isstopped at the upper end of its stroke.

13. In a box packing machine, a presser shoe for pressing material intoboxes, said presser shoe having a perforated bottom, a chamber withinthe shoe above said bottom, a conduit leading from a source of steamsupply and communicating with said chamber for introducing steam intosaid chamber, means for conveying a file of boxes into successiveregistry beneath said presser shoe, and means operated in timed relationto said conveying means for reciprocating said presser shoe to compressthe contents of successive filled boxes conveyed therebeneath,

14. A presser shoe for box packing machines comprising a block having achannel in its under surface, a steam pipe in said channel havingperforations directed against the walls of the channel, a perforatedplate secured to the underside of the block over the channel, and meansfor introducing steam into said pipe.

15. In a box packing machine, a presser shoe adapted to press materialinto boxes comprising a block having a channel in its under surface, asteam pipe in said channel having perforations directed against thewalls of the channel, a perforated plate secured to the underside of theblock over the channel, and means for introducing steam into said pipe.

16. In a box packing machine, a box collar movable over a confined path,a filling stationat one endof said path, a pressing station at theopposite end of said path, a stop at each end of said path, said boxcollar being adapted to register with one of said stations when itengages either of said stops and a conveyor extending beneath the pathof travel of said box collar for conveying a file of boxes intosuccessive registry with said filling and pressing stations.

17. In a box packing apparatus, means for filling boxes with material,means for pressing the material into said boxes, means for conveyingboxes into successive registry with said filling and pressing means, aguideway extending beneath said filling and pressing means, a box collarmovable along the guideway into registry with either of said filling orpressing means, and a stop at each end of said guideway, said stopsbeing so located that when the box collar is held thereagainst it is inregistry with the filling or pressing means.

18. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,means for conveying boxes from the filling station to the pressingstation, a track disposed above said conveying means, a box collarmovable along said track between said stations, and means for raisingand lowering said track. 7

19. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,means for conveying boxes from the filling station to the pressingstation, a track disposed above said conveying means, a box collarmovable along said track, means operable by the collar at the fillingstation to cause the track to be lowered whereby the collar is loweredinto engagement with a box at said station, and means operable by thecollar at the pressing station to cause the track to be lifted wherebythe collar is lifted free of said box.

20. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, a presser mechanism,means for conveying boxes into successive registry with said filling andpressing mechanisms, a trackway extending above said conveying meansbetween the filling and pressing mechanisms, and a box collar providedwith rollers cooperating with said trackway whereby said box collar maybe rolled over the trackway.

21. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, a pressing mechanism,means for conveying boxes into successive registry with said filling andpressing mechanisms, 2. box collar operable above the conveying meansand movable into and out of registry with said filling and pressingmechanisms, actuating means for said collar normally holding it inregistry with the filling mechanism, means for lowering the collar intoengagement with a box at the filling station for transfer to thepressing station by engagement with the box, and means for lifting saidcollar tree of the box at the pressing station whereby the collar isreturned to the filling station by said collar actuating means.

22. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,intermittently actuated means for conveying boxes into successiveregistry with said stations and momentarily holding them stationary insuch positions, a box collar operable above the conveying means andmovable into and out of registry with said stations, means for loweringthe collar into engagement with a box at the filling station when saidcollar is in registry with said station and the conveying means isstationary, means for lifting said collar free of the box when saidcollar is in registry with the pressing station and the conveying meansis stationary, and means for returning the collar into registry with thefilling station Mien it is lifted free of said box.

23. In a box packing machine, means for conveying a file of boxes, afilling mechanism and a pressing mechanism disposed above said conveyingmeans for simultaneous registration with adjacent boxes in said file asthey pass therebeneath, means for intermittently driving said conveyingmeans to advance said boxes from the filling mechanism to the pressingmechanism and momentarily stop them in such positions, a box collaradapted to register with a box on said conveying means, and movable inunison therewith from the filling mechanism to the pressing mechanism,means for actuating the pressing mechanism when the collar registerstherewith, and means for moving the collar backwardly from each boxbeneath the pressing mechanism into registry with the next succeedingbox beneath the filling mechanism while said conveyer remainsstationary.

24. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, a pressing mechanism,intermittently actuated means for conveying boxes into successiveregistry beneath the filling and pressing mechaisms, a box collaroperable above the conveying means and movable into and out of registrybeneath the filling and pressing means, said collar being adapted toregister with a box as it passes from the filling mechanism to thepressing mechanism, and means for returning the collar from the pressingmechanism to the filling mechanism in a direction counter to the path oftravel of the boxes.

25. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station,means for conveying boxes from the filling station to the pressingstation, a freely movable box collar movable from the filling station tothe pressing station by engagement with a box on the conveying means,and means operable to transfer the colar from the pressing station to abox at the filling station when said collar disengaged from the box.

26. In a box packing machine, a filling station, a pressing station, atrack extending between said stations, 8. box collar movable along saidtrack, means actuated by the collar at the pressing station to cause thetrack to be lifted whereby the collar is lifted free of a box, means forreturning the collar along the track to the filling station, meansactuated by the collar at the filling station to cause the track to belowered whereby the collar is lowered into engagement with a box at saidstation, and means for conveying the box and collar from the fillingstation to the pressing station.

2'7. In a box packing machine, a reciprocable plunger for pressingmaterial into boxes, means for conveying a box into registry beneath theplunger, 2. box collar operable above the conveying means and movableinto and out of registry beneath the plunger, means for depressing andwithdrawing the plunger, and means actuated by engagement with thecollar when said collar is moved into registry beneath the plunger foroperating the plunger depressing and withdrawing means.

28. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material, areciprocable plunger for pressing the material into said boxes, meansfor conveying boxes into successive registry beneath the filling meansand the plunger, a box collar operable above the conveying means andmovable into and out of registry beneath the filling means and theplunger, means for depressing and withdrawing the plunger, meansactuated by engagement with the collar when the collar is moved intoregistry beneath the plunger for operating the plunger depressing andwithdrawing means, and means for transferring the collar into registrywith the filling means after the plunger is withdrawn.

29. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material, areciprocable plunger for pressing the material into said boxes, meansfor conveying boxes into successive registry beneath the filling meansand the plunger, a box collar operable above the conveying means over aconfined path, a stop at each end of said path, said collar beingadapted to register with the filling means when it engages one of thestops and with the plunger when it engages the other stop, means fordepressing and withdrawing the plunger when the collar registerstherewith, and means for transferring the collar into registry with thefilling means after the plunger is withdrawn.

30. In a box packing machine, means for filling boxes with material, areciprocating plunger for pressing the material into said boxes, meansfor conveying boxes into successive registry beheath the filling meansand the plunger, a box collar actuated independently of the conveyer andreciprocable between said filling means and plunger and movable into andout of registry therewith, means for guiding the collar intoregistration beneath the filling means and beneath the plunger, meansfor actuating the plunger when the collar registers therewith, and meansfor transferring the collar into registration with the filling meansafter the plunger is actuated.

31. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, actuating meanstherefor, means for conveying boxes into registry beneath the fillingmechanism, a box collar movable into registry beneath the fillingmechanism, and safety means adapted to prevent the operation of saidactuating means except when a box and the collar are both beneath thefilling mechanism.

32. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, actuating meanstherefor, a box collar movable .into and out of registry beneath thefilling mechanism, a safety catch, means associated with said safetycatch for normally holding it in operative position to prevent operationof said actuating means, and means controlled by said collar when movedbeneath the filling mechanism to displace said safety catch intooperative position.

33. In a box packing machine, a filling mechanism, actuatingmeanstherefor, means for conveying boxes into registry beneath thefilling mechanism, a box collar movable into and out of registry beneaththe filling mechanism, a pair of safety catches, means associated witheach of said safety catches for normally holding them in operativeposition to prevent operation of said actuating means, means controlledby a box when conveyed beneath the filling mechanism to displace one ofsaid safety catches into inoperative position, and means controlled bysaid collar when moved beneath the filling mechanism to displace theother safety catch into inoperative position.

34. In a box packing machine, a presser shoe for pressing material intoboxes, means for heating the face of said shoe to sterilize the same,means for conveying a file of boxes into successive registry beneathsaid presser shoe, and means operated in timed relation to saidconveying means for reciprocating said presser shoe to compress thecontents of successive filled boxes conveyed therebeneath.

35. In a box packing machine, a presser shoe for pressing material intoboxes, means for heating and moistening the face of said shoe tosterilize the same and minimize the adherence of sticky materialthereto, means for conveying a file of boxes into successive registrybeneath said presser shoe, and means operated in timed relation to saidconveying means for reciprocating said presser shoe to compress thecontents of successive filled boxes conveyed therebeneath.

36. In a box packing machine, a presser shoe for pressing material intoboxes, said presser 'shoe having a perforated bottom, a chamber withinthe shoe above said bottom, a conduit connected with a source of steamsupply and communicating with said chamber for introducing steam intosaid chamber, a porous fabric covering for said perforated bottom, meansfor conveying a file of boxes into successive registry beneath saidpresser shoe, and means operated in timed relation to said conveyingmeans for reciprocating said presser shoe to compress the contents ofsuccessive filled boxes conveyed therebeneath.

3'7. A pressure shoe for box packing machines comprising a block havinga channel in its under surface, a perforated steam pipe in said channel,a perforated plate secured to the underside of the block over thechannel, and means for introducing steam into said pipe.

38. In a box packing machine, a box filling device, a pressing devicefor compressing the contents of filled boxes, a conveyer for conveying afile of boxes into successive registry beneath said filling and pressingdevices, and a box collar adapted to register with a box on saidconveyer and mounted for reciprocating movement forward and backwardabove the conveyer between a position beneath the filling device at oneend of its travel, and a position beneath the pressing device at itsopposite end of travel.

39. In a box packing machine, a box filling device, a pressing devicefor compressing the contents of filled boxes, a conveyer for conveying afile of boxes into successive registry beneath said filling and pressingdevices, and a box collar adapted to register with a box on saidconveyer and mounted for reciprocating movement forward and backwardover a confined path above the conveyer between a position beneath thefilling device at one end of its travel, and a position beneath thepressing device at its opposite end of travel.

40. In a box packing machine, a box filling device, a pressing devicefor compressing the contents of filled boxes, a conveyer for conveying afile of boxes into successive registry beneath said filling and pressingdevices, a box collar adapted to register with a box on said conveyerand movable in unison therewith above said conveyer as the box passesfrom the filling device to the pressing device, and means for re turningthe collar backward from the pressing device in a direction counter tothe travel of the boxes, and into registration with a succeeding boxbeneath the filling device. 1

41. In a box packing machine, a box filling device, a pressing devicefor compressing the contents of filled boxes, a conveyer for conveying afile of boxes into successive registry beneath said filling and pressingdevices, a trackway disposed above and co-directional with saidconveyer, and a box collar adapted to register with a box on saidconveyer and mounted for reciprocating travel forward and backward alongsaid track between a position beneath the filling device at one end ofits travel, and a position beneath the pressing device at the oppositeend of its travel.

HENRY A. CAMPBELL.

